Advisory: Gov. Cooper Announces Face Coverings Order, Extends Phase Two

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced today the state will remain in Phase Two for another three weeks, while making face coverings mandatory in public. Phase Two will remain in effect until July 17.

“We’re adding this new requirement because we don’t want to go backward,” Cooper said. “We want to stabilize our numbers so we can continue to safely ease restrictions, and most importantly, get our children back in school.”

Exceptions to the statewide mask requirement apply to children under 11, those with certain medical conditions, and people exercising outdoors away from other people.

Central Piedmont will announce its plans for the upcoming fall semester sometime after the July 4 holiday, but well before the start of the term. Students will have ample time to register for classes and make work and childcare arrangements before the semester opens on Aug. 10.

Preliminary plans for the semester include offering classes that are completely online, class sections that are primarily online, classes that will combine online and in-person instruction, and a smaller percentage of traditional in-person classes.

Registration for fall semester classes is open, and students are encouraged to register now for the best selection of options. There will be a short registration pause June 26 – 30 for the end-of-fiscal-year closeout. Fall registration will resume on July 1.

As a reminder, the Student Guide to Returning to Campus and the Employee Guide to Returning to Campusare easy to find on the college website. Students and employees should read through the guidebooks carefully to be aware of the safety protocols and practices the college has put in place to keep everyone safe. On the same web page, you can find student and employee videos that provide information about our new safety guidelines.

Please remember: everyone going to a Central Piedmont campus must wear a face covering. This is a good safety practice and follows the new state order and Mecklenburg County rule. Everyone coming to campus also must submit a Health Acknowledgement form weekly. The form is a way for students, employees, and visitors to attest to their current good health and lack of any known recent contact with COVID-19, and a commitment to follow safety best practices while on campuses.

Access the student Health Acknowledgement Form on the “Returning to Campus” Web page.

Access the faculty/staff Health Acknowledgement Form.

Thank you for your partnership as we keep our focus on your safety and your success.

Gov. Roy Cooper Visits College, Asks For More Emergency Grants For Students

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, met on Central Piedmont’s Central Campus Wednesday with faculty, staff, and students to share exciting updates about the Finish Line Grant, an emergency grant program originally announced by Cooper in July 2018.

College is a serious financial undertaking. The Finish Line Grant is designed to assist community college students in addressing financial situations that would prevent them from continuing or completing their program of study or credential. Students facing financial hardship may be eligible to receive up to $1,000 to cover eligible expenses per semester.

During the event, Gov. Cooper announced that in North Carolina, 3,000 community college Finish Line Grants have been awarded to date. He added, “It’s amazing how a small amount of money can make a big difference in the life of a student who is trying really hard and is having to pay tuition and fees to try and better themselves in order to get over the hump.”

Too often, financial hardships such as unexpected healthcare costs, childcare expenses, or car and transportation issues prevent students from achieving their academic goals. Fortunately, there are many types of financial aid available to help pay for college.

Lexine Merrill, a Central Piedmont student and Finish Line Grant recipient, echoed the governor’s sentiments. “In one week, I ended up with $1,300 in medical bills and car repairs. I had no idea what to do and nowhere to turn. But then a friend mentioned her experience with the Finish Line Grant, so I applied. I sobbed grateful tears when I learned I was approved. The Finish Line Grant relieved the financial burdens that were weighing heavily on me. It allowed me the opportunity to continue moving forward, toward my finish line.

Students facing an unexpected financial emergency can get connected to a variety of FREE resources through Single Stop, to help them stay focused on their academic goals.